At about12:25pm, onTuesday, December 31, 2013, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) responded to a radio call for police assistance in the area of 498 Meridian Street, East Boston.

On arrival, officers located a female victim in the area of the Meridian Street bridge suffering from massive trauma. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates the female victim was attempting to cross the bridge on foot when it was raised to allow a vessel to pass. The bridge operator heard what he believed to be calls for help and lowered the bridge in an attempt to help the victim. As a consequence to the bridge being lowered, the victim suffered life threatening injuries.

The bridge operator is cooperating fully with investigators and was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.